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Fortified Wines

Vin Doux Naturel

Southern French fortified wines such as Banyuls and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, sweet and often grenache-based.

In detail

Origin
Languedoc-Roussillon and the Rhône, France.
Major regions
Banyuls · Maury · Rivesaltes · Beaumes-de-Venise
Grapes
Grenache, Muscat
Flavour profile
Cocoa, dried cherry and coffee in the reds; orange blossom and apricot in the Muscats.
Body
Full
Acidity
Medium
Sweetness
Sweet

Recommended Glass

Dessert Wine Glass

A notably small bowl on a slim stem, sized for the smaller pours that sweet wine calls for.

About this glass →

Serving Temperature

12–14°C (54–57°F)

A little cooler than room temperature for reds; properly cold but not frozen for whites and sparkling.

Food Pairings

  • Dark chocolate
  • Cherry desserts
  • Blue cheese
  • Fruit tart
  • Roquefort

Notable examples & brands

  • Domaine du Mas Blanc Banyuls
  • Domaine de Durban Muscat